Deep coverage19 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Bahrain.
4 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Bahrain Visa on Arrival
Citizens of a set of eligible countries (around 60-69 nationalities listed on the official portal) may obtain a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport and other ports. The single-entry visa costs BHD 5 and permits a stay of up to 2 weeks; a multiple-entry option around BHD 12 allows stays of up to 1 month per entry, valid for 3 months. Travellers should hold a passport valid for at least 6 months, a return ticket and proof of accommodation; admission remains at the discretion of immigration officers. Many eligible travellers may instead apply for the equivalent eVisa online in advance. This is a visitor entry and does not lead to residence.
Government fee
BHD 5
Max stay
14 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (4)
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months and from an eligible nationality.
Return ticketConfirmed onward or return travel.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking or address of stay.
Visa fee paymentPayment of the visa-on-arrival fee at the port of entry.
Tourist Visa
Bahrain Tourist eVisa
Online tourist visa for leisure, sightseeing and short visits, applied for through the official portal evisa.gov.bh, the only authorised application site. The entry-level option is a single-entry 2-week visa costing BHD 9, valid for use within 3 months of issue. Longer options include a 3-month multiple-entry visa (BHD 16, stays up to 1 month per entry), a 1-year multiple-entry visa (BHD 44, stays up to 90 days per entry) and, for selected nationalities such as UK, Irish and Canadian citizens, a 5-year multiple-entry visa (BHD 64). Applicants typically show a confirmed return ticket, accommodation booking and bank statements demonstrating funds of around USD 1,000. Processing usually takes about 3-5 working days. The tourist eVisa does not grant work rights and does not lead to residence; eligibility depends on nationality (citizens of Iran, Kosovo and North Korea require local sponsorship rather than an eVisa).
Confirmed return ticketProof of onward or return travel.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking or address of stay in Bahrain.
Proof of fundsBank statement showing sufficient funds for the stay (around USD 1,000 equivalent).
Payment of visa feeOnline payment by card or digital wallet during the application.
Tourist Visa
Bahrain eVisa for GCC Residents
Residents of other Gulf Cooperation Council states (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar) of any nationality, except Iranians, can obtain a Bahrain visit visa through a simplified eVisa process if they hold a GCC residence permit valid for at least 3 months with at least 3 months remaining. The visa allows tourism and family/business visits with stays generally up to 90 days. GCC nationals themselves enter Bahrain without a visa using their GCC ID. This is a visit facility and does not lead to a Bahrain residence permit; the holder's expatriate status remains tied to their GCC country of residence.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking or address of stay in Bahrain.
Business Visitor Visa
Bahrain Business eVisa
Online visa for visitors attending meetings, conferences, negotiations and similar short business activities, issued through evisa.gov.bh. It is offered in multiple-entry formats: a 3-month multiple-entry visa and a 1-year multiple-entry visa, with each visit generally allowing a stay of up to 90 days. The business eVisa does not authorise taking up local employment in Bahrain; a separate LMRA work permit is required for that. Applicants normally provide a company letter or invitation describing the purpose of the visit alongside standard identity and funds documents. Fees vary by nationality and processing speed (standard, rush, super-rush), with short-stay business visa fees commonly in the BHD 9-29 range. Like other visit visas it does not lead to residence.
Invitation or company letterLetter from the host company or proof of the business purpose of the visit.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking or address of stay in Bahrain.
Proof of fundsBank statement showing sufficient funds for the stay.
Return ticketProof of onward or return travel.
Not yet researched
Transit Visa
Medical Treatment Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
1 route
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Bahrain Student Visa and Residence Permit
Route for expatriates enrolled at a Bahraini university or institute, handled by NPRA in two stages: a student visa (applied for while the applicant is outside Bahrain, processed in about 3 working days, with a common fee of BHD 40) followed by a student residence permit after entry. The student residence permit can be issued or renewed for up to 5 years for students at local universities/institutes, or 1 year for students enrolled abroad. The core requirement is an official enrolment letter from the recognised institution, plus a passport valid more than 6 months. Students holding this residence are not permitted to work, whether paid or unpaid.
Study: Full-time enrolment at the sponsoring institution.
Government fee
BHD 40
Processing time
3 days
Validity
1,825 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportPassport valid for more than 6 months.
University enrolment letterOfficial admission/enrolment letter from the recognised Bahraini university or institute.
Applicant or representative IDID of the applicant or authorised representative.
Health insuranceOptionalValid Bahrain medical insurance.
Proof of addressOptionalAccommodation or address documentation in Bahrain.
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
4 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Freelancer Visa
Self-sponsorship residence via sole establishment
Available
Bahrain has no dedicated freelancer visa; freelancers commonly register an Individual Establishment (sole proprietorship) and obtain a self-sponsored investor residence permit (2-, 5- or 10-year self-sponsorship options), with successful self-employed residents later eligible for the 10-year Golden Residency.
An LMRA self-sponsorship permit (the Registered Worker Permit, commonly called the Flexi Permit) that lets eligible expatriates live in Bahrain and work for multiple employers or on their own account without a single corporate sponsor, the first such option in the Gulf. It suits freelancers, consultants and independent professionals from nationalities on the LMRA's approved list. The permit is issued for terms such as 1 or 2 years and carries ongoing monthly fees plus health-care charges paid by the holder; applicants must show they can support themselves financially. The holder is responsible for their own LMRA registration and CPR. It does not permit working for the government or in some restricted occupations, and the holder cannot, in general, sponsor dependants under the flexi route.
Work: Work for multiple employers or self-employed; excludes government and some restricted jobs.
Study: Permitted subject to enrolment rules.
Residency after 5 years
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months, from an LMRA-approved nationality.
Proof of self-supportBank statements or proof of freelance/remote income.
Health insurance / health-care feeValid health coverage or payment of the LMRA health-care fee.
Educational/skill evidenceOptionalDegree, professional qualification or recognised skill in the field.
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Golden Residency Visa (entrepreneur/talent track) and investor residence
Available
Founders of Bahrain-registered companies can self-sponsor an investor residence permit, and the 10-year renewable Golden Residency includes tracks for entrepreneurs/talented individuals and business investors (BHD 100,000 in a Bahraini company).
The standard route for expatriates to work and reside in Bahrain. A licensed Bahraini employer applies to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) for the work permit, which carries the residence permit. Permits are issued for 6 months, 1 year or 2 years, with government fees of BHD 97.5, BHD 195 and BHD 390 respectively, plus an admin fee of BHD 5; recruitment of workers from outside Bahrain adds a BHD 30 job-advertisement fee. Renewals cost BHD 52.5 / 105 / 210 for the three durations, with Basic Health Care fees of BHD 45 / 90 / 180. The permit ties the worker to the sponsoring employer; the worker receives a CPR (residence) card. Long-term residents who meet salary and service criteria may later qualify for the 10-year Golden Residency.
Work: Work permitted only for the sponsoring LMRA employer/role.
Study: Permitted alongside work, subject to enrolment rules.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Can sponsor dependants if monthly income meets the threshold (BHD 400+).
Government fee
BHD 195
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportWorker's passport valid for at least 6 months.
Employment contractJob offer or contract from the licensed Bahraini employer.
Medical examinationPre-employment medical/health screening as required for the permit.
Educational/professional certificatesOptionalQualification documents where required for the role.
Employer LMRA registrationEmployer's valid LMRA establishment registration and quota.
Not yet researched
Digital Nomad Visa
Seasonal Work Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
4 routes
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Golden Residency Visa
Available
10-year renewable residency for property investors (threshold cut to BHD 130,000 / ~USD 345,000 in 2026), long-term workers earning BHD 2,000+/month, retirees, and talented individuals; mixed program also accepting real estate (overlaps residence_by_property).
A self-sponsored residence permit and re-entry visa for foreigners who own a residential property in Bahrain in areas where foreigners may hold freehold title. Unlike the Golden Residency property route (BHD 130,000 minimum, 10 years), this NPRA self-sponsorship permit is issued or renewed for 2, 5 or 10 years for qualifying property owners, with the holder sponsoring themselves rather than an employer. Owners must maintain the property and typically show health insurance and stable means. It provides residence and a re-entry visa but, like other self-sponsorship permits, is a fixed-term renewable permit rather than permanent residence; higher-value owners may instead choose the Golden Residency. Applied for through NPRA.
Study: Permitted.
Residency: Renewable 2/5/10-year permit while ownership is maintained; not permanent residence.
Family: Can sponsor dependants subject to rules.
Validity
1,825 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months.
Title deedProperty title deed proving ownership of a qualifying Bahraini residence.
Health insuranceValid Bahrain medical insurance.
Bank statementsRecent bank statements showing stable means.
Proof of residential addressOptionalAddress/tenancy or property occupancy evidence.
A 10-year, indefinitely renewable self-sponsored residence permit for foreigners who own Bahraini real estate with a personal share value of at least BHD 130,000 (about USD 345,000) at the time of purchase, in areas where foreigners may hold freehold property. The threshold may be met through one property or several combined, and ownership must be maintained throughout the residency. Applied for through the NPRA Golden Residency portal; the application fee is BHD 5 and the issuance fee BHD 300 (non-refundable). Holders may reside in Bahrain, sponsor spouse, children and parents with no age limit, and explore employment (a separate LMRA work permit is required to actually work). The permit is valid as long as the eligibility criteria continue to be met.
Work: May reside and seek work; a separate LMRA work permit is needed for employment.
Study: Permitted.
Residency: 10-year permit, indefinitely renewable while ownership and criteria are maintained.
Family: Can sponsor spouse, children and parents with no age limit.
Government fee
BHD 305
Processing time
5 days
Validity
3,650 days
Min. investment
BHD 130,000
Document checklist (6)
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months.
Title deed(s)Property title deed(s) showing personal share value of at least BHD 130,000, free of mortgage where required.
Bank statementsSix months of recent bank statements.
Health insuranceValid health insurance covering Bahrain.
Proof of residential addressTenancy or address documentation in Bahrain.
A self-sponsored residence permit and re-entry visa for foreign investors who own or partner in a Bahraini company with a valid Commercial Registration (CR). The applicant's share should be at least BHD 100,000, and the route generally also requires depositing BHD 15,000 in a local bank account (with a 6-monthly holding certificate) and a minimum personal income of at least BHD 500 per month. The permit can be issued or renewed for 2, 5 or 10 years and is tied to the company rather than to an employer, making it the standard residency path for business owners. Investors meeting higher thresholds (e.g. salary/property) may alternatively qualify for the 10-year Golden Residency. Applied for through NPRA.
Work: May manage and work in the owned company; broader employment needs an LMRA permit.
Study: Permitted.
Residency: Renewable 2/5/10-year permit tied to the company; not permanent residence.
Family: Can sponsor dependants subject to income and rules.
Validity
1,825 days
Min. income / month
BHD 500
Min. investment
BHD 100,000
Document checklist (6)
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months.
Commercial Registration (CR)Valid CR and company memorandum showing the applicant's ownership/partnership share (not less than BHD 100,000).
Bank deposit certificateCertificate of a BHD 15,000 deposit held in a local bank account (renewed every 6 months).
Proof of incomeEvidence of minimum personal income of at least BHD 500 per month.
A 10-year, indefinitely renewable self-sponsored residence permit for retirees. Resident retirees qualify if they worked in Bahrain for at least 15 years and receive an average pension of BHD 2,000 (about USD 5,306) or more. Non-resident (international) retirees with no Bahrain work history qualify on a higher bar: a monthly income of at least BHD 4,000 (about USD 10,600). Applied for through the NPRA Golden Residency portal; the application fee is BHD 5 and the issuance fee BHD 300 (non-refundable). Holders may reside in Bahrain and sponsor spouse, children and parents with no age limit. This is the long-term retirement route; a shorter 2/5/10-year self-sponsorship retirement permit (lower income bar, with a bank deposit) also exists via NPRA.
Work: May reside; employment would require a separate LMRA work permit.
Study: Permitted.
Residency: 10-year permit, indefinitely renewable while criteria are met.
Family: Can sponsor spouse, children and parents with no age limit.
Government fee
BHD 305
Processing time
5 days
Validity
3,650 days
Min. income / month
BHD 2,000
Document checklist (6)
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months.
Proof of pension/incomePension statement or proof of monthly income meeting the applicable threshold (BHD 2,000 resident / BHD 4,000 non-resident).
Service record (resident retirees)OptionalSIO statement proving at least 15 years of work in Bahrain.
Bank statementsSix months of recent bank statements.
Health insuranceValid health insurance covering Bahrain.
A self-sponsored residence permit and re-entry visa for retired foreigners, issued or renewed for 2, 5 or 10 years through NPRA. The route requires certified evidence of retirement after at least 15 years of service (government, private sector or a GCC setting), proof of stable income of at least BHD 500 per month, valid Bahrain medical insurance, an SIO service statement and recent bank statements; a deposit of about BHD 5,000 in a local bank account is also required. It lets a retiree reside in Bahrain on their own sponsorship without an employer. This is the lower-bar fixed-term retirement option; retirees with higher pensions/income may instead qualify for the 10-year Golden Residency. Processing is published at around 40 working days.
Study: Permitted.
Residency: Renewable 2/5/10-year permit; not permanent residence.
Family: Can sponsor dependants subject to income and rules.
Processing time
40 days
Validity
1,825 days
Min. income / month
BHD 500
Document checklist (7)
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months.
Retirement evidenceCertified proof of retirement after at least 15 years of service.
SIO service statementSocial Insurance Organisation statement proving the service years.
Proof of incomeEvidence of stable monthly income of at least BHD 500.
Bank deposit certificateCertificate of a deposit (about BHD 5,000) held in a local bank account.
Health insuranceValid Bahrain medical insurance.
Bank statementsRecent bank statements.
Not yet researched
Working Holiday Visa
2 routes
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Bahrain Family Visit eVisa
Short-stay online visa for visiting close family members who live or are staying in Bahrain, issued through evisa.gov.bh. It is a visit (not residence) visa, available as a 3-month multiple-entry or 1-year multiple-entry visa, with each visit generally allowing a stay of up to 90 days. Applicants typically supply proof of the family relationship and details of the resident relative they are visiting, along with the usual passport, accommodation and funds documents. Fees and exact options depend on nationality and processing speed. For family members who intend to live in Bahrain long-term rather than visit, the LMRA/NPRA Dependants Residence Permit (a separate product) is the appropriate route.
Proof of family relationshipEvidence of the relationship to the resident family member being visited.
Resident relative's detailsCopy of the host relative's Bahrain residence/CPR and address.
Proof of accommodationAddress of stay or host declaration.
Return ticketProof of onward or return travel.
Dependent Relative Visa
Bahrain Dependants Residence Permit
Residence route for family members of an expatriate who lives and works in Bahrain. A sponsor can bring a spouse and children under 24 through the LMRA Dependants Residency Permit if their verified net monthly income is at least BHD 400 (confirmed via SIO registration). Sponsoring children over 24 or parents requires a higher income of at least BHD 1,000 per month and valid health insurance, and is handled directly by NPRA. The fee is around BHD 95 per dependant, with LMRA processing in about 3 working days (7 for cooperative entities). The permit is granted for the duration of the sponsor's own permit and renewed with it; it allows residence but, for most dependants, not employment without a separate work permit.
Study: Dependants may enrol in school/study.
Residency: Tied to and renewed with the sponsor's permit.
Family: Covers spouse and children (under 24 via LMRA; over 24 and parents via NPRA at higher income).
Government fee
BHD 95
Processing time
3 days
Validity
730 days
Min. income / month
BHD 400
Document checklist (6)
PassportDependant's passport valid for at least 6 months.
Proof of relationshipMarriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (children), attested.
Sponsor's CPR and permitSponsor's Bahrain CPR and valid residence/work permit.
Proof of sponsor incomeSIO record showing the sponsor's net income meets the threshold (BHD 400 spouse/children under 24; BHD 1,000 parents/adult children).
Health insuranceValid health insurance for the dependant.
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
Bahrain Golden Residency - Long-Serving Professional
A 10-year, indefinitely renewable self-sponsored residence permit for expatriates who have worked in Bahrain for at least 5 years with an average monthly basic salary above BHD 2,000 (about USD 5,306) over that period, with continuous Social Insurance Organisation (SIO) registration at that level (bonuses and allowances are excluded). Applied for through the NPRA Golden Residency portal; the application fee is BHD 5 and the issuance fee BHD 300 (non-refundable), with the same fees per sponsored dependant. The permit lets the holder reside in Bahrain and explore employment, though a separate LMRA work permit is still required to take up a job. Holders may sponsor spouse, children and parents with no age limit. The permit remains valid as long as the eligibility criteria continue to be met.
Work: May reside and seek work, but a separate LMRA work permit is needed to be employed.
Study: Permitted.
Residency: 10-year permit, indefinitely renewable while criteria are met; functions as long-term residence.
Family: Can sponsor spouse, children and parents with no age limit (same fees per dependant).
Government fee
BHD 305
Processing time
5 days
Validity
3,650 days
Min. income / month
BHD 2,000
Document checklist (6)
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months.
Salary / SIO statementSocial Insurance Organisation record proving 5 years at average basic salary above BHD 2,000.
Bank statementsSix months of recent bank statements.
Health insuranceValid health insurance covering Bahrain.
Proof of residential addressTenancy or address documentation in Bahrain.
A 10-year, indefinitely renewable self-sponsored residence permit for individuals recognised by a relevant Bahraini government authority (including accredited incubators) as having exceptional skills or achievements, in fields such as science, technology, the arts, sports, academia, entrepreneurship or community service. Applications under this category go to a specialised talent committee for review and approval, with processing of up to 10 working days (versus 5 for the standard categories). Applied for through the NPRA Golden Residency portal; the application fee is BHD 5 and the issuance fee BHD 300 (non-refundable). There is no fixed salary or investment threshold; eligibility rests on demonstrated recognition of the applicant's talent. Holders may reside in Bahrain and sponsor spouse, children and parents.
Work: May reside and seek work; a separate LMRA work permit is needed for employment.
Study: Permitted.
Residency: 10-year permit, indefinitely renewable while criteria are met; committee approval required.
Family: Can sponsor spouse, children and parents with no age limit.
Government fee
BHD 305
Processing time
10 days
Validity
3,650 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months.
Evidence of talent/recognitionAwards, official recognition, portfolio or endorsement by a relevant Bahraini authority or accredited incubator.
Bank statementsSix months of recent bank statements.
Health insuranceValid health insurance covering Bahrain.
Proof of residential addressOptionalAddress documentation in Bahrain (where applicable).
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